The culture and civilization of Greece and subsequently Rome has always been at the heart of Western education. From a study of Classical language, literature, history and art students gain powers of abstract thought, a deep knowledge of the elements of language and an experience of the foundational texts of the Western literary and philosophical tradition. It is equally important that they are brought to a realisation that, as with the Ancient Greeks, their education in the broadest sense and their relationship with their educators is constitutive in their development as good citizens, both national and transnational.

It is from the character of Mentor in Homer's Odyssey and his relationship with the young Telemachus that the modern concept of mentoring draws. Traditional values still inform the readiness of Greek parents to make huge sacrifices to educate their children, and their recognition that developmental relationships between students and educators can be crucial in easing the transition to adulthood.